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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- University of New Mexico head women's soccer coach Kit Vela announced today the signing of three student-athletes from the Southern California area to National Letters of Intent. The UNM women's soccer team welcomes forward Hannah Hand, midfielder Kaci Paetz and defender Krista Peterson to a 2005 roster that features 19 returning letterwinners.

Two of the three recruits carry existing connections to the New Mexico women's soccer program as Kaci Paetz is the younger sister of current Lobo sophomore defender Eryn Paetz. Kaci Paetz and Peterson also played on the same club team in Southern California. Hand may not have any immediate ties to the UNM program, but said in an interview with her school paper that she liked the environment at UNM and said that the team is a good fit for her.

"Although it's a small class, they are probably some of the most decorated players in Southern California, between their accomplishments in high school and ODP (Olympic Development Programs)," said Vela.

HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner and senior captain at forward at the Sacred Heart Academy...first team all-state honoree as a junior...started in all 25 games and led the team with 21 goals...also had 11 assists as a junior and was named team's Most Valuable Player...was the team's leading scorer as a sophomore with 14 goals and 11 assists...all-area team honoree her freshman, sophomore and junior years...was selected to participate in the ODP spring pool as a freshman and sophomore...member of the Long Beach Infinity Soccer Club...is currently competing at the U-17 Premier level with the Infinity...also lettered in track...holds school records in 400m and 4x400m relay...four-time all-academic team honoree.

Quoting Kit Vela"Hannah is an outstanding forward who will complement the team's aggressive attack up front. We are looking for her to help with our missed scoring opportunities we saw in 2004."

HIGH SCHOOL: Letterwinner at midfielder at San Pedro High School...led the Pirates in scoring in 2003, helping the team capture the Marine League Championship title that year...named to the 2003 all-league first team...earned MVP honors as a freshman...member of the Irvine Strikers Soccer Club, under head coach Don Ebert...played a defensive midfielder position for the Strikers, helping the team capture the OCU Tournament Championship title and advance to the Nomads College Showcase Final Four in 2003...invited to participate in the 2004 Premier Development Program...member of the Marine Biology Magnate Program and the academic honor roll.

Quoting Kit Vela"Kaci will strengthen our midfield as the defensive midfielder we've been lacking in the past. She will bring experience to the team having been recently named to the U-17 national pool."

HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner at outside midfielder at Fountain Valley High School...helped lead the team to first Sunset League Championship in school history as a sophomore...led the team in scoring her junior year...two-time all-Sunset League honoree...a two-time Coaches Award...also lettered in swimming and basketball...two-time Sunset League finalist in the 50 free (swimming)...five-year member of the Irvine Strikers Soccer Club, under head coach Don Ebert...played marking back for the Strikers, helping the team become two-time National State Cup Finalist...named Outstanding Senior Athlete and was named Athlete of the Month in January of 2005...earned the 2002 PTSA Student Achievement Award-Foreign Language...2004 Student Leader for Every 15 Minutes program.

Quoting Kit Vela"Krista will bring tremendous depth to our back line. She is very athletic and tenacious at the outside back. She will complement our current system and players."